Network between Windows 7 and Windows XP PC's

[blackguyza]

Is it possible to establish a network between two computers if one is running Windows 7 and the other is running Windows XP?

 

[davemc]

Yes.
However, Windows 7 and Windows XP comes in many versions, each version having different features and aspects and facilities.
Not all versions of these operating systems are capable of interacting with each other.
But, if you would be so kind as to provide more information then perhaps I could give you a better answer than I already have.

 

[bex.cpt]

Well make sure both machines are on the same workgroup. Xp uses Mshome by defaults & Win 7 a different one. Also make sure all the latest security updates are loaded on the XP machine.

Once that is done it should not be a problem.

I have done it many times its a bit fidley but not impossible

 

[ben dover]

Are you using a router/Switch or a straight cable from 1 PC to another?
You need to get your hardware sorted out before you worry about software.

Most versions on Windows will communicate, it's not really dependent on the version.

You could even get Windows 2000 to talk to Windows 7...i have....

 

[blackguyza]

I want to establish a wireless through my router, I have already established a wireless connection to my router on both PC's through which I get Internet. I am using Windows XP SP3 with all security updates installed (have updated all as required) and also Windows 7 Ultimate edition on the other computer with all updates done.

 

[blackguyza]

I have joined the same workgroup buy when I try to brows my network places on my Windows XP, it just freezes on View Workgroup Computers. On the other hand the Windows 7 PC can only show its own PC on the Network.

EDIT:

In fact I get a message which says: "[Workgroupname] is not accessible. You don't have permissions to use these resources."

 

[bex.cpt]

Check the network security settings in extreme cases just create a share on the 7 machine create a account and logon from XP with that user account. Like I said before its fidley

 

[Grouter]

Win 7 and vista will only network with xp if the xp user account has a password. The network must also be set to private in Win 7.

 

[davemc]

On Windows XP Pro SP3, you did not say if it's pro or home, but, on Pro, run the network connection wizard, and enable file sharing in there, this is important so that xp pro's firewall is configured to allow file sharing, and, like grouter said, the XP Pro machine user must have a password set.

Then, in your TCPIP connection settings on the XP Pro machine, turn on Allow NetBios over TCP/IP, this will make name lookup on the local network much faster.

If you need help finding these things, ask.

 

[blackguyza]

It is Windows XP Pro, thanks.

 

[blackguyza]

Thank you very much people. The network is up and running. Will shout if I need more help. Thank you.

 

[blackguyza]

I am now struggling to access my Windows XP PC on Windows 7 machine.